Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. See our User Agreement and Privacy Policy.

Slideshare uses cookies to improve functionality and performance, and to provide you with relevant advertising. If you continue browsing the site, you agree to the use of cookies on this website. See our Privacy Policy and User Agreement for details.

What makes a fantastic accountant7

1.
What Makes a Fantastic Accountant?
Xero Accountant
1. Financial Wiz
Xero Hamilton
It's insufficient to simply read numbers. Your accountant should be able to sit down on your first visit,
flit through your balance sheet and give you an immediate and accurate reading of the state of your
business. If on first visit they can't do this, grab your hat and make for the door! You need honest and
direct advice and a fantastic cpa can almost feel numbers and business well-being. They can do it well
and they may do it instantly.
2. Big and Little Image Thinker
This can be essential. A good accountant understands the detail of your financial statements. This is
what all accountants are trained to do. But a great accountant moves beyond conceptualises and book
reconciliation and understands the global or structural strengths and weaknesses of your finances. They
develop and see excellent outcomes for the business and give you a roadmap of advice on how you can
get there.
3. Have They Grown Their Own Business?
What is the state in their own business? Could it be in very good condition? This doesn't mean they have
created a corporation, but what it does mean is they have a fantastic running business or firm that's
healthy and profitable. Have they taken risks? Are they progressive and proactive? Are they in step with
the times? Do they use modern technologies? These are good indicators. Choose note if this is
happening and if it is, you might be in the correct spot. If not, locate a beanie who is doing just that!
4. Great Communication
Does your accountant adhere to account - speak or do they follow best practise plain English included in
their communications policy with clients? Are communications strained and laboured or simplified so
there's mutual understanding and clarity? You've let us understand this is one of the single most
important qualities to you personally. Clients tell us they want great, plain, intelligent help. They do not

2.
want to hear about academic theories on the development of taxation laws in NZ over the past thirty
years!
5. What Sort of Team Does Your Cpa Have?
A great accountant isn't afraid to fire team players who are not performing for you, the client. An
incredible cpa will keep searching for key team players who bring to a fantastic job. They go above and
beyond to source team members who deliver not just a set of financials, but quality financials that
maximise your return and ethically without cutting corners. There isn't any sloppy at Slaters. It is all
about a great team. From Tina (our simply brilliant front of house reception man) through to Harsha,
(the leader of our Financials Team) and Beth and Shareena. Great staff - longstanding members over
many years - great people who work well together for the team and client.
6. Understands An Excellent Business Model.
It's not just about some financials. A fantastic accountant allows you to develop an extremely good, all-
inclusive business model over several years. We're proud to say we have clients who have been with us
25 years and some of these have been challenged to grow and prosper their businesses even when it's
been distressing! The ones who've stuck with our large picture plans reap the benefits. Have a think
about moving on if your accountant doesn't help you develop a healthy, longterm business model.
7.
Up front payments and clear costs? And we don't mean "bundling bundles." We decided against these
some years ago in favour of greater transparency. A clear, fixed price that you can pay off or pay in one
fell swoop. (Bundling is a monthly payment that can eek away in the background without you ever fully
accessing the complete deal. It's a confusion for customers because they are locked in to their package
and can not ever really access anything without paying extra bucks. We do not do that. Not transparent
enough for Slaters and we've seen it eventuate into relationship dislocation between associate and
customer.) Easy to make a meeting? Are there annoying and hourly rates that are sneaky hidden
somewhere in the fine print? An incredible accountant is fully transparent about costs and is also quite
accessible. They're not difficult to keep in touch with and come back to you personally immediately via
free meetings, phone calls or email. At Slaters you can even pop in and catch Brad and Brett for no extra
cost. That is ease!
8. Trustworthy

3.
This is a biggie. Clients have reported that they're actually more comfortable with the accountant who is
NOT out and around at every social function and assembly. You've told us a wonderful cpa isn't boozing
it up at the pub and letting loose with your private financial issues. There's a code of ethics to stick to,
and this also has to be taken very, very seriously. A fantastic cpa understands they are working with soul
and the financial heart in their customers and their families and honours that advice accordingly.
These are just a couple of the essential elements you have to search for when sourcing a great
accountant. We hope it helps you on your financial journey. And remember, should you be looking to
shift beanies or locate the one that can really help you, do not hesitate to e-mail us in at the office on
brett@slater.co.nz . You can even book a free appointment online here . Make a scheduled appointment
and talk with Brett about enhancing your financial future. It's free once you discuss with Brett and odds
are you will come on board with Slaters.